Cost Analysis of a Trip from Darien, Illinois to Oakbrook Terrace: Navigating Routes and Fuel Costs

Planning a trip from Darien, Illinois to Oakbrook Terrace involves considering several factors, with travel routes and fuel costs being the most prominent. The journey covers a relatively short distance—approximately 15 miles—but differences in routes can affect both travel time and gas expenses. In this article, we will analyze various routes, current gas prices, and the overall cost associated with traveling from Darien to Oakbrook Terrace.

Route Options

Traveling from Darien to Oakbrook Terrace, drivers have a few options that vary in distance and travel time. Below, we explore the primary routes you might take.

Route 1: I-55 N and I-88 E

• Distance: Approximately 15.4 miles
• Estimated Travel Time: 25 minutes
• Fuel Costs:
  • Average MPG: 25 miles per gallon
  • Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon (current average in the area)

To calculate the fuel cost:

1. Divide the distance by the average MPG:
   ( \frac{15.4 \text}{25 \text} = 0.616 \text )

2. Multiply by the gas price:
   ( 0.616 \text \times $3.50 = $2.16 )

Thus, the fuel cost for this route is approximately $2.16.

Route 2: I-55 N and Ogden Avenue

• Distance: Approximately 14.5 miles
• Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes
• Fuel Costs:
  • Average MPG: 25 miles per gallon
  • Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon

Calculating the fuel cost:

1. ( \frac{14.5 \text}{25 \text} = 0.58 \text )
2. ( 0.58 \text \times $3.50 = $2.03 )

The fuel cost for this route comes to around $2.03.

Route 3: 75th Street to Highland Avenue

• Distance: Approximately 13.8 miles
• Estimated Travel Time: 35 minutes
• Fuel Costs:
  • Average MPG: 25 miles per gallon
  • Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon

Fuel cost breakdown:

1. ( \frac{13.8 \text}{25 \text} = 0.552 \text )
2. ( 0.552 \text \times $3.50 = $1.93 )

The fuel cost for this route is approximately $1.93.

Route 4: Via Army Trail Road

• Distance: Approximately 15 miles
• Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes
• Fuel Costs:
  • Average MPG: 25 miles per gallon
  • Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon

Calculating the cost:

1. ( \frac{15 \text}{25 \text} = 0.6 \text )
2. ( 0.6 \text \times $3.50 = $2.10 )

The fuel cost for this route totals about $2.10.

Travel Route Summarization

After evaluating the routes based on distance, estimated travel time, and fuel costs, we can offer a summarized list:

Route	Distance (miles)	Travel Time (minutes)	Fuel Cost ($)
I-55 N and I-88 E	15.4	25	2.16
I-55 N and Ogden Avenue	14.5	30	2.03
75th Street to Highland Avenue	13.8	35	1.93
Via Army Trail Road	15.0	40	2.10

Recommendation

Based on our analysis, the best route in terms of a balance between distance, travel time, and fuel cost is the I-55 N and Ogden Avenue route. With a total distance of 14.5 miles, this option allows travelers to reach their destination with the lowest fuel cost of approximately $2.03, while also being relatively quick, taking around 30 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip from Darien, Illinois, to Oakbrook Terrace is manageable both in distance and cost, especially given the current average gas prices. By opting for the I-55 N and Ogden Avenue route, travelers can enjoy a swift and economical journey, taking around 30 minutes and costing approximately $2.03 for fuel. This route optimally balances time and expense, making it the best choice for anyone looking to make the trip efficiently.